Interpol Now Warns Of Fake Coronavirus Vaccines

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) has issued a global alert to law enforcement agencies around the world warning them that organized crime networks may try to sell fake Covid-19 vaccines or steal real supplies.

The global police coordination agency, based in France, said on Wednesday it had issued an orange alert to police forces in its 194 member states warning them to prepare for vaccines to be targeted both physically and online.

“The Interpol Orange Notice outlines potential criminal activity in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of Covid-19 and flu vaccines, with the pandemic having already triggered unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behavior,” it said.

Interpol also said gangs could try and profit from fake coronavirus testing kits and has warned consumers to do their research.

The International Criminal Police Organization is therefore calling for coordination between law enforcement and health regulatory bodies to ensure the safety of individuals and wellbeing of communities are protected

It said the pandemic had already triggered “unprecedented opportunistic and predatory criminal behavior,” and warned of a new wave of criminal activity “in relation to the falsification, theft and illegal advertising of Covid-19 vaccines”.

There are over 170 coronavirus vaccines in development across the globe, but there are a handful of frontrunners that are in the last stages of checks and could soon become available.

The alert comes as a number of COVID-19 vaccines come closer to approval and global distribution. Britain on Wednesday became the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use and said that it will be rolled out from early next week.

Interpol has also advised members of the public to take special care when going online to search for medical equipment or medicines amid an increasing amount of coronavirus-related fraud activities.

“In addition to the dangers of ordering potentially life-threatening products, an analysis by the INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Unit revealed that of 3,000 websites associated with online pharmacies suspected of selling illicit medicines and medical devices,” said Interpol.

Given that international travel is gradually resuming, Interpol also suspects that testing for the virus will become of greater importance, leading to a parallel production and distribution of unauthorized and falsified testing kits.

Members of the public have been advised to always check with national health authorities or the World Health Organization for the latest health advice in relation to COVID-19.

“Always check with your national health authorities or the World Health Organisation for the latest health advice in relation to Covid-19,” added Interpol.